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LIGHT EMITTING DIODE LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL
APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The present invention provides for a novel system LED lights provided in
a linear array, receiving electrical power from at lease one power supply
with the need to introduce electrical power in more than one location of
the linear array of LED lights.

Inventors:

Sherburne; Craig Keith; (Edmonton, CA)

Applicant:

Name

City

State

Country

Type

Sherburne; Craig Keith

Edmonton

CA

Family ID:

1000003067998

Appl. No.:

15/368606

Filed:

December 3, 2016

Current U.S. Class:

1/1

Current CPC Class:

H05B 33/0857 20130101

International Class:

H05B 33/08 20060101 H05B033/08

Claims

1. A system for connecting low-voltage LED lumieres comprising: a first
multiplicity of low-voltage Light Emitting Diode (LED) lumieres, each LED
lumiere comprising at least one LED under the control of an LED lumiere
control microprocessor, Said first multiplicity of low-voltage LED
lumieres comprising a first LED lumiere, at least one successive
intermediate LED lumiere and a last LED lumiere; Said first LED lumiere
control microprocessor in digital communication with a preceding LED
controller; Each at least one successive intermediate LED lumiere having
its LED lumiere control microprocessor in digital communication with a
preceding and succeeding LED lumiere control microprocessor; Said control
microprocessor of said first LED lumiere and said at least one successive
intermediate LED lumiere control microprocessors receiving a digital
signal, amplifying, and communicating at least a portion of said digital
signal to a successive LED lumiere control microprocessor, thereby
forming a control circuit; and Wherein said first LED lumiere, said last
LED lumiere and at least one intermediate successive LED lumieres are in
digital communication by way of an electrical conductor; A second
multiplicity of low-voltage Light Emitting Diode (LED) lumiere, each LED
lumiere comprising at least one LED under the control of a control
microprocessor, Said second multiplicity of low-voltage LED lumieres
comprising a first LED lumiere, at least one successive intermediate LED
lumiere and a last LED lumiere; Each successive at least one intermediate
LED lumiere having said control microprocessor in digital communication
with a preceding and succeeding LED lumiere control microprocessor; Said
first LED lumiere control microprocessor in digital communication with
said last LED lumiere control microprocessor of the first multiplicity of
LED lumieres; Said last LED lumiere being in digital communication with a
preceding LED lumiere control microprocessor; Said first LED lumiere
control microprocessor and said at least one successive intermediate LED
lumieres receiving a digital signal, amplifying, and communicating at
least a portion of said digital signal to a successive LED lumiere
control microprocessor, thereby forming a control circuit; and Wherein
said first LED lumiere, said last LED lumiere and at least one
intermediate successive LED lumieres are in digital communication by way
of an electrical conductor; Wherein first LED lumiere of said first
multiplicity of LED lumieres receives power from a first power supply in
electrical communication with said first LED lumiere of said first
multiplicity of LED lumieres by way of a conductor providing electrical
communication between successive intermediate lumieres; and wherein; Said
first LED lumieres, said successive intermediate LED lumieres and said
last LED lumiere of said first multiplicity of LED lumieres are in
electrical communication with said power supply; providing a first power
circuit; Wherein first LED lumiere of said second multiplicity of LED
lumieres receives power from a second power supply in electrical
communication with said first LED lumiere of said second multiplicity of
LED lumieres by way of a conductor providing electrical communication
between successive intermediate lumieres; and wherein; Said first LED
lumiere, said successive intermediate LED lumieres and said last LED
lumiere of said second multiplicity of LED lumieres are in electrical
communication with said second power supply; providing a second power
circuit; And wherein, interposed between, and in digital communication
with, first multiplicity of LED lumieres and second multiplicity of LED
lumieres is an electronic device, receiving a digital signal from the LED
lumiere control microprocessor of the last LED lumiere of the first
multiplicity of LED lumieres, amplifying said digital signal, and
transmitting to the LED lumiere control microprocessor of the first LED
lumiere of said second multiplicity of LED lumieres an amplified digital
signal; and wherein said electronic device contains at least one diode
preventing transfer of electrical power from said first LED lumiere of
said second multiplicity of LED lumieres to the last lumiere of said
first multiplicity of LED lumieres

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the control microprocessor is a UCS1903
three-channel LED display driver/controller.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the LED lumiere is comprised of a red
5050 LED, a green 5050 LED and a blue 5050 LED.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the control microprocessor is a WS2811
three-channel LED driver/controller.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the LED lumiere is comprised of a red
5050 LED, a green 5050 LED and a blue 5050 LED.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the LED lumiere is comprised of a red
5050 LED, a green 5050 LED and a blue 5050 LED.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to the field of low-voltage lighting
assemblies, and in particular low-voltage lighting assemblies comprised
of Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights connected in series.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] All of the publications, patents and patent applications cited
within this application are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety to the same extent as if the disclosure of each individual
publication, patent application or patent was specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003] The inclusion of LED lights as decoration and illumination in
commercial and residential applications is becoming more commonplace, as
users seek a means to increase the aesthetics of their internal, or
external environment, as well as providing increased illumination and
lighting within a space, or surrounding a space.

[0004] Low-voltage LED lights are powered by a transformer or battery
providing electrical power in the form of current (Amperage, or Amps) and
potential (Voltage or Volts); which is then utilized by the LED to
generate light of specific wavelengths; with multiples of LEDs in close
proximity combining to produce various of colors. These LED lights are
usually, individually, "red", "green" and "blue", the combination of
which is then perceived as being a color of visible light spectrum.

[0005] Each LED provides resistance to the current passing through it, and
when LED lights are placed in a linear array (that is, in serial
connection), it results in a decrease of voltage to each subsequent LED
in the linear array. As well, each LED in the linear array consumes
current, with a subsequent reduction of current for each subsequent LED
within the linear array. As LEDs are designed to receive and operate
within a specific range of voltage and amperage, the serial connection of
LEDs results in a decrease of both current and voltage outside the
operating range. With more advanced LED lighting systems, there is a
further electronic connection to an integrated circuit or computing
element which controls the LED, which allows more complex triggering and
independent control of each LED light.

[0006] The prior art describes the introduction of electrical power to
serial connections of LED lights to ensure provision of voltage and
amperage in accordance with operating range of the LED. Should there be
an electronic connection between the LEDs, then the art describes the use
of a continuous electronic connection between LEDs. Although the
electronic connection between the integrated circuit or computing
elements is usually a separate and distinct electrical circuit from that
providing power to the LED; there is a concern that sequential addition
of electrical power to a series of LEDs, particularly when large numbers
of LEDs are added in serial to form a linear array, can lead to a large
amount of Power (Volt*Amps, or Watts) passing through the electrical
system forming part of the LED lighting system.

[0007] The art is in need of an improved means of creating linear arrays
of LED lighting for commercial and residential applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides for a system for connecting
low-voltage LED lumieres comprising a first multiplicity of low-voltage
Light Emitting Diode (LED) lumieres, each LED lumiere comprising:
[0009] a first multiplicity of low-voltage Light Emitting Diode (LED)
lumieres, each LED lumiere comprising at least one LED under the control
of an LED lumiere control microprocessor, [0010] Said first multiplicity
of low-voltage LED lumieres comprising a first LED lumiere, at least one
successive intermediate LED lumiere and a last LED lumiere; [0011] Said
first LED lumiere control microprocessor in digital communication with a
preceding LED controller; [0012] Each at least one successive
intermediate LED lumiere having its LED lumiere control microprocessor in
digital communication with a preceding and succeeding LED lumiere control
microprocessor; [0013] Said control microprocessor of said first LED
lumiere and said at least one successive intermediate LED lumiere control
microprocessors receiving a digital signal, amplifying, and communicating
at least a portion of said digital signal to a successive LED lumiere
control microprocessor, thereby forming a control circuit; and [0014]
Wherein said first LED lumiere, said last LED lumiere and at least one
intermediate successive LED lumieres are in digital communication by way
of an electrical conductor; [0015] A second multiplicity of low-voltage
Light Emitting Diode (LED) lumiere, each LED lumiere comprising at least
one LED under the control of a control microprocessor, [0016] Said
second multiplicity of low-voltage LED lumieres comprising a first LED
lumiere, at least one successive intermediate LED lumiere and a last LED
lumiere; [0017] Each successive at least one intermediate LED lumiere
having said control microprocessor in digital communication with a
preceding and succeeding LED lumiere control microprocessor; [0018] Said
first LED lumiere control microprocessor in digital communication with
said last LED lumiere control microprocessor of the first multiplicity of
LED lumieres; [0019] Said last LED lumiere being in digital communication
with a preceding LED lumiere control microprocessor; [0020] Said first
LED lumiere control microprocessor and said at least one successive
intermediate LED lumieres receiving a digital signal, amplifying, and
communicating at least a portion of said digital signal to a successive
LED lumiere control microprocessor, thereby forming a control circuit;
and [0021] Wherein said first LED lumiere, said last LED lumiere and at
least one intermediate successive LED lumieres are in digital
communication by way of an electrical conductor; [0022] Wherein the
first LED lumiere of said first multiplicity of LED lumieres receives
power from a first power supply in electrical communication with said
first LED lumiere of said first multiplicity of LED lumieres, by way of a
conductor providing electrical communication between successive
intermediate lumieres; and wherein; [0023] Said first LED lumieres, said
successive intermediate LED lumieres and said last LED lumiere of said
first multiplicity of LED lumieres are in electrical communication with
said power supply; providing a first power circuit; [0024] Wherein
first LED lumiere of said second multiplicity of LED lumieres receives
power from a second power supply in electrical communication with said
first LED lumiere of said second multiplicity of LED lumieres by way of a
conductor providing electrical communication between successive
intermediate lumieres; and wherein; [0025] Said first LED lumiere, said
successive intermediate LED lumieres and said last LED lumiere of said
second multiplicity of LED lumieres are in electrical communication with
said second power supply; providing a second power circuit; And wherein,
interposed between, and in digital communication with, first multiplicity
of LED lumieres and second multiplicity of LED lumieres is an electronic
device, receiving a digital signal from the LED lumiere control
microprocessor of the last LED lumiere of the first multiplicity of LED
lumieres, amplifying said digital signal, and transmitting to the LED
lumiere control microprocessor of the first LED lumiere of said second
multiplicity of LED lumieres an amplified digital signal; and wherein
said electronic device contains at least one diode preventing transfer of
electrical power from said first LED lumiere of said second multiplicity
of LED lumieres to the last lumiere of said first multiplicity of LED
lumieres.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention the LED lumiere control
microprocessor is a UCS1903 three-channel LED display driver/controller.
In a further embodiment of the present invention the LED lumiere is
comprised of a red, a green and a blue 5050 LED.

[0027] In another embodiment of the present invention the LED control
microprocessor is a WS2811 three-channel LED display driver/controller.
In a further embodiment of the present invention the LED lumiere is
comprised of a red, a green and a blue 5050 LED.

[0028] In another embodiment of the present invention the LED lumiere is
comprised of a red 5050 LED, a green 5050 LED and a blue 5050 LED.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of the system of the present invention;
and

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a representative illustration of a LED lumiere system
of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0031] As used herein "low-voltage" means provision of potential of less
than 40 Volts as a power source for an LED light, more preferably of
voltage equal to, or less than, 12 Volts.

[0032] As used herein, "lumiere" means a device intended to provide
illumination.

[0033] As used herein "microprocessor" means an integrated circuit or
other form of computing element, capable of receiving instructions by way
of digital communication, executing said instructions, and altering the
electronic state of disparate elements in electrical communication with
said microprocessor.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 1., there is represented an embodiment of
the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of one example of a LED lighting system,
comprised of a direct current low-voltage power supply 113 with power (+)
103 and ground (-) 102; providing a combination of voltage and current to
a first multiplicity of LED lumieres, commonly referred to as a "lighting
string", 104. A second lighting string, 107, exists some distance away
from the first lighting string 104, in electronic communication through
conductor 106, being by way of non-limiting example, a wire. Each of the
LED lights in lighting string 104 and 105 is under the control of a LED
lumiere control microprocessor (not shown) which is in digital
communication with LED lighting controller 101 through conductor 114,
being by way of non-limiting example, a metal wire.

[0036] Digital information provided by LED controller 101 is received by
in the form of a digital electronic signal communicated along conductor
114 to the first LED lumiere control microprocessor within the first
lighting string, a portion of the digital information is read and
executed by the LED lumiere control microprocessor and a truncated
portion of the digital information amplified and communicated to the next
successive LED lumiere control microprocessor; usually truncated by
removal of the digital information read and executed by the transmitting
LED lumiere control microprocessor. The digital information contains
instructional code for the turning on, or off, of the LED lights forming
part of the LED lumiere under the control of the LED lumiere control
microprocessor. By way of non-limiting example, should the LED lumiere be
composed of red, green, and blue LEDs under the LED lumiere control
microprocessor, then various transmissive colors may be generated for
viewing by distant observers. This process is then repeated for each
successive LED lumiere control microprocessor.

[0037] Should there be a need to continue the digital communication
between successive LED lumieres, for example the last LED lumiere of the
first lighting string 104 and the first LED lumiere of the second
lighting string 107, then the digital electronic signal may be
transmitted through conductor 106. The prior art has described the use of
three separate conductors (not shown) communicating direct current power
from the last LED lumiere of the first lighting string 104 to the first
LED lumiere of the second lighting string 107. This results in the first
lighting string 104 and the second lighting string 107 forming part of a
single control circuit, as well as forming part of an electrical power
circuit. For shorter lighting strings, particularly for low-voltage
applications, common electrical power circuits through multiplicities of
lighting strings is not problematic.

[0038] As lighting string lengths increase though, the total power passing
within the common electrical power circuit can be large. For example, it
is common to use individual direct current power supplies of less than
100 Watts of power in commercial and residential applications. If a
lighting string, or multiplicity of lighting strings, is composed of 12
volt LED lumieres using 0.6 Amps of current at maximum brightness, then
the power supply can provide power to under 138 LED lumieres. The prior
art therefore describes introduction of additional power supply into the
lighting strings, to provide the individual LED lumieres with appropriate
current and voltage. As more LED lumieres are provided within the system,
for example 400 or 680, the total power running through the common
electrical power circuit for the LED lumieres can be as high as 300 or
500 Watts, respectively. Although each LED lumiere is individually
receiving 12 Volts with a maximum of 8.33 Amps (for a 100 Watt power
supply providing a constant 12 Volts), the lighting system has a total of
300 or 500 Watts, respectively, within the common electrical power
circuit. As the total number of LED lumieres in the system increases to
3000 or 6000 LED lumieres, by way of example, the power within the common
electrical power circuit can increase to levels outside of the normal
operating range (3,000 to 6,000 Watts).

[0039] One way the prior art has used to address this issue is to
establish separate power and control circuits for lighting strands, yet
lighting strands using successive digital electronic communication are
not suited to establishing of a second control circuit.

[0040] Further, for longer lengths of conductor, 106, used to provide
digital electronic communication, there may be a degradation of the
digital electronic signal which will interfere with the intended
operation of the successive LED lumieres 107. Although dependent upon the
form of control microprocessor providing the signal amplification, the
ambient and operating temperature, and the performance characteristics of
the conductor 106 chosen; there will be a length of conductor 106 which
will result in attenuation of the digital electronic signal below the
ability of the LED lumiere microcontroller to detect or accurately
amplify and communicate a digital signal downstream to successive LED
lumieres.

[0041] It is the novel addition of electronic device 105 within the
lighting system that provides, for the first time, the establishing of
common control circuit between successive lighting strands while allowing
the establishment of a multiplicity of electrical power circuits, with
the ability to limit the total power through any one electrical power
circuit to a number chosen by the operator or lighting strand installer,
such as, by way of non-limiting example, 100 Watts. Further, electronic
device 105 may also provide amplification of the digital electronic
communication, drawing power for such activities from the electrical
power circuit provided for the first lighting strand, communicated
through conductor 110 providing DC current, conductor 112 acting as a
ground for the electrical circuit, conductor 111 providing the electronic
digital communication and following conductor 106 providing the digital
electronic communication for the amplified signal. Electronic device 105
contains a diode which allows for the flow of electrical current in only
one direction, out of electronic device 105 and into conductor 106;
thereby isolating subsequent lighting strand 107 from the power circuit
of preceding lighting strand 104, while maintaining a common control
circuit.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, electronic device 105 is interposed between the
first and second lighting strand, and in the presented embodiment, device
105 also provides amplification of the digital electronic signal exiting
from the last LED lumiere of the first lighting strand through conductor
111, also receiving power (112, 110) through electrical conductors; and
then communicating said amplified digital electronic signal through
conductor 106 to the second lighting strand. As presented in FIG. 1, the
second lighting strand is energized from common DC power supply 113 by
electrical conductors 109 providing power and 108 acting as ground, but
it is contemplated that in other embodiments that conductors 108 and 109
would be in electrical communication with a different power supply than
power supply 113 as illustrated.

[0043] FIG. 2 provides an illustration of the lighting system of the
present invention installed in residential home, 201, with DC power
supply 202 providing power to first lighting strand 208 through
conductors 203 (power, +) and 204 (ground, -) with digital electronic
communication between LED controller 205 and first lighting strand 208
through conductor 210. Electronic device 206, comprising an amplifier,
such as, by way of non-limiting example, the LT-122, two-channel Serial
Peripheral Interface Signal Amplifier, with a diode function included in
the output, preventing transmission of electrical current in the
direction opposite to the flow of electronic digital information along
conductor 207. Conductor 207 traverses the span of the first lighting
strand 208, connecting to a second lighting strand 209, where power is
introduced through conductors (not shown) leading to power supply 202, or
alternatively to a separate power supply (not shown).

[0044] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been
described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments
are possible within the scope of the invention and are intended to be
included herein. It will be clear to any person skilled in the art that
modifications of and adjustments to this invention, not shown, are
possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as
demonstrated through the exemplary embodiments. The invention is
therefore to be considered limited solely by the scope of the appended
claims.